<p>I was just wondering if anyone could recommend a couple good universities that have great MFA programs in drawing/painting. I'm a senior at Penn State University and am looking to get my MFA. I'll be graduating with a major in Art Education and will be certified to teach in PA. </p>
<p>So far I took a visit to MICA and was not impressed with what it had to offer...I guess I started out thinking that an art school was the best way to go for an MFA but now I'm definitely having second thoughts. </p>
<p>There are lots of grad programs that would fit your requirements. Look at UPenn (Penn Design), U of Iowa, Yale, VCU, Carnegie Mellon, and about 50 others. Give us more stats and desires and we can narrow the list.</p>
<p>I’ve looked into Carnegie Mellon but from what I understand it’s REALLY competative. I think I read somewhere that they only take about 6 students into their MFA program. I’m not sure I have the best chance…if that’s true. As far at Yale or UPenn, they are ivy schools and I doubt I’d have a chance truthfully. I’ve looked briefly at VCU’s website but should investigate more…I’ve also sent out and received info on PAFA (do you or anyone happen to know anything about PAFA?) I was considering it as an option but being that I didn’t have the best experience at MICA, I’m not sure if it’d be worth a visit?</p>
<p>My cumulative GPA is 3.68 at Penn State and I’m a “non-traditional” (adult) student. I’m kind of apprehensive about the admissions process to anywhere at this point because from what I’ve been reading it seems like everywhere is REALLY SELECTIVE!!! My ultimate goal is to be able to teach at the college level and my art work usually tends to be realistic although I’m experimenting with more abstract stuff—mostly collage at this point. I was told portfolio wise they look for ideas not so much variety?</p>
<p>Actually, if you are considering painting, consider SAIC ( School of Art Institute in Chicago). This school is very avant guarde and despite its name, isn’t part of the Art Institutes. </p>
<p>Also check out Yale, MICA, Temple and Cranbrook academy.</p>
<p>If you were my kid, I wouldn’t recommend a university at first. I would recommend that you spend a year or two with a solid Atlier. These are schools who teach the old fashion way with a master and some assistants. They specialize in portraits and detailed paintings. Check out “Atlier” on the web.</p>
<p>Hey, a 3.68 is really good! Ok, pair that with a solid portfolio and you will get in to a good MFA program. Taxguy is right (no surprise there) in saying that many students spend a year or two developing their work in between undergrad and grad school. Still I think it doesn’t hurt to apply right out of undergrad to maybe 10 MFA programs to see if you can find a match. </p>
<p>And yes, ALL of the MFA programs are super selective. They are all tiny and they all have 10 applicants (or more) for every open chair. So what? Nothing ventured, nothing gained right?</p>
<p>Also, don’t be closed off from any grad school including Ivy’s. At this level it really is all about your portfolio. I know a photo major who is just starting his MFA at Yale and he’s straight out of undergrad at Cal State Northridge. That’s quite a jump! All because his portfolio scored a direct hit with Yale’s outstanding photo department.</p>
<p>As with your application to Penn State, you’ll need a mix of grad schools in your application process. Safety, reach, etc.</p>
<p>In addition to those already mentioned in this thread here are more schools to look at: CalArts, UCLA, USC, Columbia, School of Visual Arts, SFAI, Temple, Ohio State, U of Georgia, U of Texas.</p>
Give us more stats and desires and we can narrow the list.</p>